BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a symposium held at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, Ambassador Wang Qing reiterated China’s steadfast support and commitment to further deepening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Wang Qing began by acknowledging the remarkable 53-year history of diplomatic relations between the two nations, emphasizing the foundation of trust and cooperation established over the years. He highlighted the recent state visit by President Julius Maada Bio to China in February as a testament to the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing the current global landscape, Ambassador Wang Qing emphasized the importance of advocating for true multilateralism and opposing hegemonism. He called for greater collaboration between China and Sierra Leone on issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and UN Security Council reform, advocating for increased representation of developing countries, particularly African nations.
Touching upon the sensitive issue of Taiwan, Ambassador Wang Qing reiterated China’s stance on the One-China Principle and expressed gratitude for Sierra Leone’s unwavering support. He criticized attempts by external forces to challenge this consensus and commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One-China Principle, as demonstrated during President Bio’s visit to China.
In terms of practical cooperation, Ambassador Wang Qing highlighted the need to diversify bilateral cooperation and synergize development strategies. He cited successful collaborations such as the National Stadium and China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital as examples and expressed the potential for further investment and cooperation in line with Sierra Leone’s 5 Big Game Changers Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Lastly, Ambassador Wang Qing emphasized the importance of fostering greater people-to-people exchanges and deepening traditional friendship between the two nations. He highlighted joint efforts in combating challenges such as Ebola and COVID-19, stressing the principle of mutual assistance in times of need.
In conclusion, Ambassador Wang Qing’s keynote speech underscored the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting global governance, and deepening mutual understanding.
The symposium brought together dignitaries, government officials, and representatives from various sectors to discuss mutual cooperation and shared interests, reaffirming the enduring friendship and cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.
